Person walking path pills to mental health sunrise with therapist.

Mental Health Check-In: Are You Getting the Treatment You Need?

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding treatment adherence in psychiatric care can help you advocate for better mental health outcomes."

Navigating the world of mental health can feel overwhelming. From understanding diagnoses to finding the right treatment, it's a journey filled with complexities. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is treatment adherence—essentially, sticking to your prescribed care plan. But what happens when life gets in the way, or when the treatment doesn't quite feel right? The answers can significantly impact your mental well-being.

In a recent study published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, researchers delved into the self-reported treatment adherence among psychiatric patients. The findings shed light on the common struggles individuals face in maintaining consistent care and highlight key factors that influence treatment success. This isn't just about taking medication; it's about engaging fully with all aspects of your mental health plan, from therapy sessions to lifestyle adjustments.

This article breaks down the study's core insights, offering you a clear understanding of what treatment adherence means, why it matters, and how you can improve your own journey toward mental wellness. Whether you're currently in treatment, considering seeking help, or supporting a loved one, this information can empower you to advocate for better mental health outcomes.

What is Treatment Adherence and Why Does It Matter?

Person walking path pills to mental health sunrise with therapist.

Treatment adherence, at its heart, means following the recommendations of your healthcare provider. This includes attending therapy sessions, taking prescribed medications, and adhering to lifestyle changes recommended to support your mental health. It sounds simple, but life's complexities can often make it challenging.

Why is adherence so vital? Because consistent and correct implementation of a treatment plan directly impacts its effectiveness. Poor adherence can lead to a variety of negative outcomes:

Lack of Remission: Symptoms persist or worsen.
Increased Risk of Relapse: Conditions return after periods of stability.
Suicidal Behavior: Risk escalates in severe cases.
Increased Healthcare Costs: Due to hospitalizations and emergency care.

Ultimately, understanding and improving adherence can lead to more stable mental health, reduced suffering, and a better quality of life. So, how can you ensure you're on the right track?

Taking Control of Your Mental Health Journey

Improving treatment adherence isn't about striving for perfection; it's about fostering a collaborative and understanding relationship with your healthcare provider and taking an active role in your own well-being. By understanding the factors that influence adherence, communicating openly, and utilizing available resources, you can pave the way for a more effective and fulfilling mental health journey. Remember, you are not alone, and support is available.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1080/08039488.2018.1538387, Alternate LINK

Title: Self-Reported Treatment Adherence Among Psychiatric In- And Outpatients

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: Nordic Journal of Psychiatry

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Boris Karpov, Grigori Joffe, Kari Aaltonen, Jorma Oksanen, Kirsi Suominen, Tarja Melartin, Ilya Baryshnikov, Maaria Koivisto, Martti Heikkinen, Erkki T. Isometsä

Published: 2018-10-03

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is Treatment Adherence in the context of mental health care?

Treatment Adherence, in mental health, refers to consistently following the recommendations made by your healthcare provider. This encompasses attending therapy sessions, taking prescribed medications as directed, and adhering to recommended lifestyle changes. It's about actively participating in all aspects of your mental health plan to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Why is Treatment Adherence so important for mental health outcomes?

Treatment Adherence is crucial because it directly impacts the effectiveness of your treatment plan. Consistent adherence ensures that you're receiving the full benefit of your care. Poor adherence can lead to a variety of negative consequences, including the lack of remission, an increased risk of relapse, potentially suicidal behavior, and increased healthcare costs due to the need for more intensive interventions like hospitalizations or emergency care.

What are the main negative outcomes associated with poor Treatment Adherence?

Poor Treatment Adherence is linked to several detrimental outcomes. These include a Lack of Remission, where symptoms persist or worsen; an Increased Risk of Relapse, meaning conditions may return after periods of stability; a potential for Suicidal Behavior, which can escalate in severe cases; and Increased Healthcare Costs, often due to more frequent hospitalizations and the need for emergency care. Improving adherence can help avoid these consequences.

How can someone take control of their mental health journey and improve their Treatment Adherence?

Improving Treatment Adherence involves fostering a collaborative relationship with your healthcare provider and actively participating in your care. This includes understanding the factors that influence adherence, such as potential side effects of medications or the practical challenges of attending therapy. Open communication with your provider about any difficulties you face is essential. Utilizing available resources, such as support groups or educational materials, can also significantly enhance your journey toward mental wellness.

What are the broader implications of understanding and improving Treatment Adherence for individuals and the healthcare system?

Understanding and improving Treatment Adherence has significant implications beyond individual well-being. For individuals, it can lead to more stable mental health, reduced suffering, and a better quality of life. Within the healthcare system, improved adherence can reduce the need for costly interventions like hospitalizations, freeing up resources and improving the overall efficiency of care. This focus contributes to a more sustainable and effective approach to mental healthcare, benefiting both patients and the system as a whole.